MEC courts electorate
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has advised people in Chikwembere and Nsanje Lalanje wards in Blantyre North and Nsanje Lalanje constituencies to vote in large numbers in the by-elections scheduled for June 29.
Speaking on Saturday when MEC launched the by-elections in Blantyre and Chikwawa, MEC commissioners Jean Mathanga and Steve Duwa bemoaned voter apathy in by-elections.
Mathanga said the commission is conducting a research to establish why the majority of Malawians do not take part in by-elections.
She also cautioned traditional leaders to desist from indulging in partisan politics.
“Parties should also sponsor monitors and ensure that they conduct their job diligently to avoid misunderstandings during or after the election,” said Mathanga.
On his part, acting Blantyre district commissioner Hastings Dowe said they will ensure that Covid-19 preventive measures are followed during campaign and voting.
Speaking on Saturday in Nsanje, Duwa also urged people to vote in large numbers in the by-election.
However, he warned candidates against making false promises to the electorate during campaign.
“Despite that MEC’s mandate is to conduct free and fair elections, the electoral body also wants that every election should usher candidates who can facilitate development in the country,” said Duwa.
The by-elections in Chikwembere and Lalanje wards follow the deaths of councillors Matthews Siyad Jirani and Hashimu Chimuti (both of Democratic Progressive Party-DPP) in March this year.
MEC will also conduct a fresh election in Nkhata Bay Central Constituency following the Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal nullification of the 2019 parliamentary election results that declared Symon Vuwa Kaunda (DPP) as winner.
Additional reporting by Elijah Pompho, MEC Stringer
